CB1 signaling and alcohol effects in development
Official title: CB1-mediated signaling in developmental ethanol effects
Funded at Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res · NIH-11381906 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how alcohol exposure before birth changes brain signaling and behavior later in life, with a focus on CB1 receptors in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orangeburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $448,832 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA029686-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381906 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is conducted in animal models and human data contexts related to fetal alcohol exposure; results may inform care for affected individuals.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefits are not guaranteed during the study, which uses animal models to understand mechanisms.
What this research studies
If approved, this study will examine how alcohol exposure during the third trimester alters CB1 signaling and related gene expression in brain regions important for memory and decision-making. The researchers will use animal models to explore cell-type specific effects and the potential long-term behavioral consequences. Findings could reveal new targets for preventing or reducing FASD-related cognitive and social challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these mechanisms could lead to strategies that protect fetal brain development and reduce lasting behavioral problems in children exposed to alcohol in utero.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has linked CB1 signaling to alcohol-induced neurodevelopmental changes, with some evidence of persistent effects, making this a continuation in a relevant area.
Where this research is happening
-
Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res
Orangeburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balapal, Basavaraj S — Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res
- Study coordinator: Balapal, Basavaraj S
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.